All rights belong to Hajime Isayama

Keith FINALLY tells Carla that he loves her after a decade.

Reiner and Krista go on a date and Mikasa confronts her feelings about Eren.

Includes flash-forward scenes to how Reiner and Mikasa helped Krista and Eren celebrate their 15th birthdays.

Be warned, this chapter contains sexual and mature scenes.

Carla sits with Keith in his office as they look out the window. They watch Krista and Reiner are completely engrossed with each other. The two teens laugh and seem like they are having a good time. Around them, Bertolt is watching anxiously and Eren is covering his ears as Connie continues to ask him if he can "hook him up".

"Krista seems to be connecting with Reiner well," Carla comments.

"Indeed," Keith says. "I suppose I should be glad that she didn't enlist in the army herself. Reiner would likely have been distracted the whole time." They see Mikasa drag Eren away from Connie. "A lot of people also think that those two are a couple, given how much time they spent together. In my opinion, it seems to me like Ackerman is too clingy while Jaeger ignores her."

"Yeah. Mikasa has had a big crush on Eren since they were small," Carla says. "I tried talking to her about it but she always got so flustered."

Keith snorts. "Carla….are you upset with me for passing your son?"

Carla is silent for a minute. "...Keith, I still do not want my son to be a soldier. As a mother, I value the lives of my children above all else. The idea of three of my kids risking their lives out in the field terrifies me. Granted, after everything that happened the last five years I now understand why it's important, but I will just be worrying day after day if Eren or Mikasa or Armin have been killed or not." Carla sighs. "But, this is what my son wants. I suppose the worry is just something I will have to live with."

Keith looks straight ahead, not facing her.

"And, best of all, I now know that my son has good friends who will look out for him."

"I tried to sabotage him," Keith admits.

Carla turns to him in shock. "What?"

"That part of his belt didnt break. I broke it. I wanted an excuse to fail Eren so that I could sent him back home to you. Because I didnt want to see him die either. Because he is the son of a woman that I love."

It takes a few minutes for Carla to register what Keith just said. She was still processing the fact that he tried to sabotage Eren. But upon understanding his reasons, shock hits her like a ton of bricks.

"Keith…?"

"But when he managed to keep his balance, even for just a second, with faulty gear, I knew that he was not like me," Keith says. "I never felt like I was good enough. I always thought that I needed to be special and achieve greatness to be noticed. So I never told you how I felt out of my own foolish insecurities."

When Keith says that, Carla realizes why Keith got so mad at her when she introduced him to Eren as a baby. She feels like an idiot for never seeing the signs before.

"Mikasa is an unmatched, unprecedented, genius," Keith continues. "She even managed to beat Reiner in an arm wrestling match, who beat everyone else. Your son on the other hand, he has no talents of his own but he has a sense of purpose and a drive higher than everyone else. He has a long way to go but he raises his marks every day with pure effort. I think that Grisha would be proud. I just want you to know all of that."

Carla stares at Keith. She is touched by his words about her son and daughter, but she is also reeling from what he said about her.

"Keith…do you still love me?" Carla asks.

Keith faces her, looking sincere. "I do. Always have. Always will. But, after everything I have done or haven't had the guts to do, I understand if you don't feel the same way about me. I notice that you are still wearing the ring Grisha gave you."

Carla looks at her wedding ring. Yes, indeed, she never took it off. It is true that she still misses her husband, the father of her son. But it has been a few years now. A few years since he left. She looks up at Keith, her flawed but good friend who has done nothing but try and be there for her and her kids for the last two years now. She takes off her ring.

"Can you get me some string?" Carla asks Keith. "I don't want to lose it."

"O-of course."

Keith goes to his desk and gets Carla some string. She ties the ring to it and wraps it around her like a necklace.

"Thank you. Now, would you like to come over to my house for dinner tonight?" Carla asks, with a smile.

Keith grins and lets out a happy chuckle. "No, how about I pick you up and take you out."

"I would like that," Carla says. "But you're paying."

Keith laughs and rubs the back of his neck. "Let is not tell anyone about this," Keith tells Carla. "Or else people will think that I am only passing your son because of you."

"Agreed," Carla says, even though she sees the irony.

The Next Day,

Reiner gazes at the sheet of paper in his hands that Krista gave him before leaving. He can't stop thinking about her. That small, smart, beautiful, kind-hearted girl that he couldn't stop talking to as soon as she showed up. Eren walks by with Mikasa.

"Hey, Mikasa. Did you notice Mom and Shadis asking differently before she and Krista left?" Eren asks her. "I mean, I know they are old friends but moms seemed more…flustered."

"They did seem a bit…off," Mikasa admits. Then she mumbles. "So you notice changes in her attitude but not mine."

"What was that?" Eren asks.

Before Mikasa can think of a response, Eren notices the paper that Reiner has in his hand.

"Hey, Reiner. Why do you have my home number written down?"

Reiner shoves the paper into his pocket. "Oh, Eren! Uh, your sister Krista gave it to me."

"What? Why would she-" Eren pauses for a minute, and then he smiles. "-Oh, I get it. I saw you two really hitting it off."

"We just talked for a bit."

Eren wraps his arm around the larger boy.

"So, are you going to call her?"

"I… don't know," Reiner responds truthfully.

He really liked Krista, but the logical part of his brain argued against getting involved with an islander.

Eren, however, scowls. "Why? What's wrong with her?"

"Nothing! I mean, I just worry if things don't work out then it will ruin our friendship."

"I can understand that," Mikasa says.

Eren ignores that and faces Reiner.

"Reiner, you're like the big brother I never had. It would be an honor for you to date my sister."

"Gross! Jaeger!" Jean shouts from across the room.

"NO ONE ASKED YOU, HORSE FACE!" Eren snaps. "Anyway, Reiner. Don't worry. I promise, if things with you and Krista don't work out I won't hold it against you." Eren narrows his eyes. But if for some reason you DO hurt her, I will kick your ass like I do in training."

Reiner wants to roll his eyes. The only reason Eren ever manages to beat him in training is because he lets him. But he understands his brotherly concern. It reminds him of Marcel and Porco.

"You have my word, Eren."

That night, in the boy's bunk, everyone is asleep aside from Bertolt and Reiner. They are having their typical night-time chats and Reiner has told Bertolt his intentions.

"You can't be serious?" Bertolt says as he lays in his bed.

"No, I called Krista up, and she said she is available for a date this Saturday," Reiner says. "We have it easy on the weekends, so I can meet with her after training during our time off."

"No, you can't go on a date with an… island devil," Bertolt says.

"It's not a date," Reiner says, trying to convince both Bertolt and himself. "I am only meeting with her because it would look strange to the other recruits if I DIDN'T accept a date from that…beautiful…goddess…"

Bertolt groans and smacks his forehead.

"You've gotten soft, Reiner. Back when you were twelve, you would have wanted to kill her and everyone else here. Now one of them calls you a brother figure."

"When I was twelve, I thought that if I killed them all then I would be a hero who saved the world and my mom could reunite with my father."

"Well, none of that matters now," Bertolt reminds him. "We have a job to do. Remember, you are a warrior. Not a soldier."

"No. You're right, Bertolt. Thank you," Reiner says. "I'm still going to go on this date, for appearances sake."

Bertolt shrugs and turns off the lamp by his bed. Reiner goes to bed as well. But, despite his best efforts, his dreams are filled with a certain blond beauty.

A Few Days Later,

Krista is talking to Ymir at the shelter. The taller girl has developed a habit of helping the tiny blonde when she works. Krista hands out rations to the other refugees along with Ymir.

"I really appreciate you helping me, Ymir,"

"Hey, no sweat."

'I could have gotten myself a nice job and living space. I wish I could give something valuable to this girl,' Ymir thinks.

"So, Krista, you said that a few days ago you visited your brother and sister. How are they?" Ymir asks.

"Oh, it was great!" Krista exclaims. "Mom and Keith are now officially dating! I was told not to tell Eren yet though. But I also met this really great guy!"

Ymir tenses up and stops handing out rations.

'She met a-DAMN IT! I thought about joining the military and working to get into the interior but I was too scared of my Titan being discovered! IF ONLY I WASN'T A SHIFTER! I COULD HAVE STILL MET KRISTA FROM THERE AND KEPT HER AWAY FROM THAT CREEP!…Ok, calm down Ymir. You don't even know this guy.'

"Really?" Ymir asks.

"Yeah. He is friends with Eren. We talked when I came to visit and he seems really nice. We're going on a date in a few days."

Ymir forces herself to smile. "That's great, Krista. I'm so happy for you. So what's this guy's name?"

"Reiner."

Ymir's eyes widen. "Reiner?"

"Yeah, Reiner Braun."

'Reiner Braun? Where do I know that name from?' Ymir thinks. 'I think I…'

Ymir suddenly remembers. A small twelve-year-old boy, struggling in his Marleyan Warrior training that Marcel Gilliard (the boy she ate) knew well.

She remembers Marcel listening to Reiner's rants during training, as his brother Proco rolls his eyes.

"I'm going to be the hero of Marley who crushed those island devils who have done nothing but make us good Eldian's suffer!"

She remembers Reiner being overly zealous in addressing their commander.

"Candidate Braun, reporting for duty sir! I happily give my life to the motherland and spit on the ancestor Ymir and my tainted blood of the devil!"

She remembers Marcel talking with Commander Magath about who should inherit the ARMORED TITAN. Porco or Reiner.

"Gilliard excels at his training. Braun is dead last."

"So it's decided then,' says the Marlean Koslow. "We feed the dying devil to the brown-haired one."

"I don't know," Magath says. "The Gilliards already have one son with a Titan."

Koslow scoffs "So? One less filthy Eldian family we have to give Honorary Marleyan status too!" Koslowe shakes his head and smirks. "Not that we really treat them much better. Honorary Marleyan? What a joke."

"You do have a point," Magath says. "We can't let too many Eldians gain status or else-"

"If I may, sir," Marcel says, catching his superior's attention.

"You filthy devil boy!" Koslow shouts, making Marcel flinch. "How dare you interrupt your Marleyan superiors!? You are lucky if we don't-"

Magath raises his hand and silences Koslow.

"Speak, Marcel."

"Yes sir. I know that it seems like my brother is better than Reiner. But there are other factors that you need to consider besides test scores. For starters, it really doesn't matter who you give the Armored Titan to. They will be able to knock down the Walls without a problem. Second, out of all the candidates, Reiner shows the most loyalty to Marley. His whole family is devoted to your motherland. He is driven to make his family proud just as much as he is to serve our country and redeem himself of his devil's blood. He works well with Bertolt and Annie and he tries his hardest at everything he does. My brother, on the other hand, hardly gets along with them on a good day. He is hot-headed, impulsive, and always getting into fights. Teamwork is essential if they are going to be taking on the Founding Titan."

Magath stares at Marcel for a minute, who hopes that his superior will buy that excuse.

"You know what, Marcel?" Magath asks. "I think that you're only saying that to protect your brother. Nevertheless, I agree with your points."

"S-so who gets the Armor?"

"I will think about it."

And she remembers Reiners last rant before she emerged from the ground and tried to eat him, only to eat Marcel instead.

She remembers seeing Reiner and the other Warriors: Bertolt Hoover the Colossal Titan and Annie Leonhart the Female, plowing through and destroying a country. Out of all of them, Reiner is the most proud of himself.

"We did it, guys! Sure I got hit by Anti-Titan canons a few times, but we helped our country!"

Everyone else at the campfire looks guilt-ridden over what they are expected to do. but Reiner looks irritated at them.

"Don't tell me you're feeling bad about killing those devils? Don't you remember what they did to Marley!? What they did to us!? We're Marley's chosen warriors sent to punish the island devils for their sins!"

And now, that little lunatic, the monster that destroyed Wall Maria, is going on a date with Krista!?

"No! You can't!" Ymir shouts.

All the other refugees turn in shock at her outburst. Krista blinks in surprise.

"Why not?"

"Because he-"

Ymir stops. If she tells Krista what she knows then Krista will ask how she knows that. As much as she hates it, she needs to keep her cover for now. So instead, she has to make up an excuse to keep Krista away from him.

"-because…he's a total douche bag."

"What?"

"Yeah. He's a bully. I went to school with him before the wall fell. He was always picking on this one boy because he was a brown-nose."

"That doesn't sound like Reiner," Krista says. "You must be thinking of someone else. What village did you come from?"

Ymir panics and mentally curses herself. She didn't know what Reiners cover story was.

"Uh…Mar-bio?"

"Marbio?" Krista asks.

"Yeah, in Wall Rose."

Krista smiles. "Oh, well my Reiner said he was from East Wall Maria so they can't be the same person."

'Wha-Damn it!'

"Wait, Krista! There is another reason!" Ymir shouts.

"Ok, what is it?" Krista asks.

"Because…" Ymir thinks. "I….I really..."

"Oh…I think I know what this is," Krista says.
"I highly doubt it," says Ymir.

"Ymir. Do you like me? LIKE-LIKE me?"

Ymir jumps back startled. She was not expecting the blonde to catch on to that so quickly.

"I..Uh…"

"Ymir, it's ok." Krista grabs Ymirs hand and smiles at her, causing the tall freckled girl to blush. "I'm bisexual."

Ymir's eyes light up. "You are?"

"Yes," Krista says. "And I really like you too. You may act aloof and selfish but I can see a really good person underneath. But I think I like Reiner too and we agreed to see how our date goes. And, I'm sorry, but I want to give it a chance."

For a second, Ymir tries telling Krista that she would be very upset if she did. She could lie and say that denying her feelings makes Krista a bad person. She knew the blonde wouldn't be able to resist that. She has a lot of insecurities about how she is perceived. But Ymir can't do that to her.

"I understand, Krista," Ymir says. "But just so you know I will be watching you too. And when he breaks your heart I'll be there for you."

"Thank you for being so understanding, Ymir," Krista says.

After Krista leaves for the day, Ymir writes a letter.

Krista sits, waiting for Reiner to come and get her for their date. She is wearing a short-sleeve red dress with a white apron. She is also wearing eyeliner and some pink lipstick with a bit of blush to enhance her already immense natural beauty.

She hears a knock at the door and opens it to see Reiner. He is wearing a prim white suit with a black tie. In his hand is a bouchette of flowers. Krista smiles at the sight of her date.

"Reiner! You're here! You are even more handsome than before,"

Reiner is completely red. "You are beautiful as well." He hands her the flowers. "These are for you."

"Oh, pretty." Krista takes the bouchette and sniffs them. "Oh, they smell lovely." But she gets a tickle in her nose. "Ah…Ah…Phoo!"

Krista sneezes, but Reiner thinks that it is the most adorable sneeze ever.

"Sorry."

"No, it is fine," Reiner says. "So, shall we get going?"

"Hold on!"

Carla Jaeger rolls out from behind the wall. She stops in front of Reiner and Krista and Reiner avoids eye contact with her.

"H-Hello, Mrs. Jaeger."

"Hello, Reiner Braun. It is good to see you again. We didn't talk much when we visited Eren and the others."

"Um, no. We did not."

In truth, Reiner found it difficult to look at Carla, knowing that the reason she is in a wheelchair is because of him and Bertolt. However, Reiner blames himself completely since he was the one who convinced Bertolt to go through with kicking down the wall after he and Annie wanted to quit following Marcel's death. He tries to tell himself that even if Annie had convinced them to go home, they would have just been eaten by the next set of warriors and followed through, but Reiner still feels guilty.

"I just want to make sure that you two don't need a chaperone. To make sure there isn't any trouble."

Carla eyes Reiner and Krista up and down. She knows that Krista is 12 and Reiner will be 14 later this year, but she is amazed by how much children grow these days. Last year, Eren, Mikasa, and Krista were small and didn't look a day over ten. Then in just a year, they all had massive growth spurts and now look like they are fifteen. Although, studies have shown that the unique quality of the soil on this island does cause early growth and maturity, similar to how it grows giant trees and boars.

"Mom, we will be fine," Krista says. "We're just going to the sandwich place down the street."

"And I will pay," Reiner says. "I have some money saved up and we will be back in an hour or two."

Clara nods. "Good. I hope you two enjoy your date."

"Bye Mom," Krista says, leaving with Reiner.

Unknown to any of them, Ymir listens to the conversation from atop of the roof. She has her eyes fixed on the blonde couple.

"I will make sure of that," Ymir says. "Armored Bastard."

Later, Reiner and Krista sit at a table, laughing and enjoying each other's company between taking bites of their sandwiches. They started off a nice talk about what they are doing with their lives, Reiner training to get into the Military Police and Krista volunteering at the shelter. But they have recently switched the topic to their hobbies.

"Recently I've gotten into history," Reiner says.

"History?" Krista asks.

"Yes, it surprises me how much of Paradis' history from before the founding of the walls is lacking," Reiner says. "Although I do enjoy reading transcribed history books from other countries. Hearing about the same events from various sides is enlightening, to say the least."

Krista nods. "I think it is important to understand the broader history of things."

"And of course I do that when I'm not training, practicing my hand-to-hand combat, or working out," Reiner says with a smirk. "So what do you do besides volunteer work?"

"Mostly just read books or knit," says Krista. "Though I also enjoy working in the field because they put me with the animals. I especially love taking care of the horses."

"So, the little girl likes ponies, huh?" Reiner teases.
"I've always loved animals," Krista gushes. "When I was a kid, before Carla took me in, they were my best friends. I also get paid for it, which means I can help take care of her."

"That is very kind of you."

"I want to be a good daughter," Krista says. "Especially since I had so many….difficulties, with my previous family."

"Say no more," Reiner says, realizing this probably isn't something she wants to talk about on a first date.

"You said that you became a soldier because your mother wanted you to, right?"

"She always talked about how great it is to serve our country," Reiner says, although dark feelings develop.

'Did I ever really choose to be a warrior? Or did she just sign me up and talk me into wanting it as well?' Reiner asks himself.

"Carla is the opposite," Krista says. "Eren said that he wanted to join the Scouts ever since he was a kid, even before the Wall fell. But she always tried to talk him out of it."

"Then she is a good mother," Reiner says. "Even before the wall fell, huh?"

"Well I wasn't there, but that's what Mom said. They even had an argument about it just before the Colossal Titan appeared."

"What about Eren's father? The one that disappeared."

"We try to not bring up Doctor Jeager," Krista says. "But according to mom he never tried to encourage Eren or talk him out of it. Eren says that he always spoke highly about the scouts but told Eren that what he did with his life was his choice."

"Choice, huh…." Reiner trails off.

'Sounds like my mom. Talking me up so I wanted it.'

"So where is your mom now?" Krista asks.

"I haven't seen her since the Fall," Reiner says, half truthfully.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Don't be, I know she is still alive. I will see her again, when we return to our hometown," Reiner vows.

"And yet you want to be an MP?" Krista asks. "If you want to clear the wall so bad it sounds to me like you should be trying to be a scout."
"Mikasa can take care of that," Reiner says. "I want to get close to the interior and make sure that everyone makes the best choices for the future."

Krista smiles. "Well, I'm not sure what you mean by that, but I hope you see her again someday. I know my mom would want to meet her. She would probably smack her for encouraging her son to be a soldier."

Reiner briefly smiles but represses it immediately.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" Reiner asks.

"Sure, what?"

"You said before you lived with your biological mother, who left, and your grandparents. What about your dad?" Krista's eyes widen and Reiner regrets asking. "You don't have to answer if you do not want to!"

"No, it is fine," Krista says. "I never knew him. He was just someone my mo-that Alma Lenz worked for and got her pregnant from an affair. He left us."

Reiner feels a sense of familiarity with her.

"My mother met my father when they worked together, but he left us after learning she was pregnant with me."

Krista snakes her head. "Some people."

"Some people…"

"Well, I'm going to tell you something that someone told me once," Krista says to Reiner. "It isn't our fault."

Reiners eyes widen. He remembers saying that same thing to a little girl when he first arrived in Paradis. He remembered her crying, talking to him about issues with her new adoptive brother and mother. Now he remembers how beautiful she looked. And he sees the familiarities between Krista and her.

'It was her?'

Krista stands up. "Excuse me, I have to go…powder my nose."

Reiner watches Krista as she walks away. He smiles as she does, really enjoying talking to her and this date. He never had anyone that he could talk to about his family issues before. Bertolt didnt understand and Annie was always too aloof despite having similar problems. He remembers how sweet that little girl was when he met her. She was the first person who made him think there was anything good on Paradis. An angel among devils, although he isn't completely sure about that last one anymore.

Reiner, however, frowns when he sees a boy stop Krista in her path by raising his arm. He looks to be about fifteen, he might actually be, and he might be mistaking Krista for being older as well.

"Hey cutie-pie," the boy says to Krista. "The name's Sado. Good news, my date just left. Care to eat with me?"

Krista puts on a forced smile. "Oh, thank you but I already have a date. Sorry."

Krista tries to leave, but Sado grabs her arm. Seeing this immediately causes Reiner to stand up and make his way over to her. While Krista tries to break free and Sado is focused on her.

"What date? I don't see him."

"Turn around," Reiner says to Sado.

Sado turns around and his confident smile falls when he sees the much larger and stronger guy looking down at him.

"I suggest you let her go," Reiner says to Sado.

Sado smiles and obliges. "Hey, easy man. No worries. I was just leaving."

Sado runs out the door and Krista looks up, gratefully, at Reiner.

"Are you ok, Krista?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you."

After eating, Krista holds Reiners arm as they walk down the street, lit with lamps. There is a light breeze and the waxing moon shines beautifully in the sky.

"That guy was a creep," Reiner says.

"I know, thanks for saving me. My white knight."

Reiner chuckles at that description. However he does feel compelled to hold onto Krista and make sure no more creeps come bye.

"Hey Reiner, do you know anyone named Ymir?" Krista asks.

"No, why?"

"I'm friends with a girl named Ymir who lives at the shelter I volunteer at," Krista says. "She said that she knew a guy named Reiner. He didn't sound like you, he sounded like a jerk, but I was just wondering."

Reiner looks away. He really hates that he has to lie to her, but he can't imagine what would happen if she found out that he was from Marley. That he was the Armored Titan that let Titans invade the walls, crippled her mother, and was trying to destroy her whole home and family. At best, she would cry and shout that she hates him for what he did and for lying to her. At worst, she would call the Military Police on him and Eren would personally slice his back. He can not decide which one is worse.

"Well, that wasn't me," Reiner says. "Krista, I have a random question. How do you feel about Marley and the rest of the world?"

"That is kind of a touchy subject, Reiner."

"Just answer. I'm curious. I promise, I won't hold whatever you say against you."

Krista is unsure what to say.

"Well, how do YOU feel about Marley and the world?"

Reiner imagines what his childhood self would say. That Marley is the greatest country in the world. They are great heroes who overthrew the evil Eldian Empire and saved the world. Now the jealous world seeks to stand in the way of their greatness which is why they have to employ the use of Titans to keep their own freedom. That, despite being spawn of the devil, they mercifully spared the Eldians that the cowardly devils left on the mainland and has gratefully given them a chance to redeem their family of Eldia's sins.

"All I know is that they hate us," Reiner says. "The whole world hates us for the Titans and Marley is actively trying to destroy this place. Paradis has every right to hate them."

"I'm sure Eren would agree with that," Krista says. "But I don't believe everyone in Marley is like that. Sure, we need to defend ourselves from the ones who are trying to hurt us like the Armored and Colossal, but I think that if we tried to talk to them we could resolve things peacefully."

"You really believe that?"

"We're all just people, Reiner. Everyone is different. I mean look at our island. I can list many people who would bomb Marley if they could because they think they are monsters. Like Eren. But I also know a lot who would take peace if it was offered. Like Armin. Besides, I think the world would be better off if people just got along. If we put aside our differences and be kind to each other then we could create a better world for everyone."

"What if those people were descendants of people who hurt your ancestors?" Reiner asks.

"Well, as long as they aren't the same as them and don't want to hurt me I wouldn't really care," Krista says.

"Wouldn't you hate them for what they did to your ancestors?" Reiner asks.

"Uh, first of all, it wasn't them. It was their ancestors. People are responsible for their own actions. Second, I don't know my dead ancestors and the people who hurt them are already dead so not really. And what does that have to do with anything?"

"Nothing, I was just thinking out loud," Reiner says. "I agree with you. I suppose if your not directly…if your not really responsible for the actions it shouldn't reflect on you." Reiner reflects on all his past choices and beliefs. Then he looks at Krista again. "I'm sorry for putting you on the spot like that."

"It's fine," Krista says. "I had a great time tonight."

"Yeah, me too. Can I take you out again?"

"I would love that."

Krista gets on her tiptoes, closes her eyes, and puckers her lips. Reiner's heart races and he is briefly taken aback by Krista's actions. But he relents, a surge of excitement filling him. He breathes heavily, bends down, and puckers his own lips as well. They lean in close to each other, so close that they can feel the other's breath. But they are interrupted by a crashing noise.

"Krista!"

The two blonde teens break apart, and they see a tall freckles dark-haired girl approaching them.

"Ymir? What are you doing here?" Krista asks.
"I was just hanging around," says Ymir.

Krista looks at her, critically. "Were you spying on me and my date?"

"This is the friend you were talking about?" Reiner asks Krista.

"Yes, I am." Ymir walks up to Reiner and looks at him right in the eyes. "I came here to make sure that Krista would be safe. But right now, I don't think I see the Reiner that I knew."

Reiner smiles. "Why thank you. And I appreciate you looking after Krista."

"She also makes sure that the other volunteers don't give me too big of a workload," Krista adds.

Ymir gets in Reiner's face. "But keep in mind, Reiner Braun. If you do hurt Krista, I promise I'll make you pay. Trust me, you have no idea what I am capable of."

Reiner doesn't take that threat seriously because he is a soldier and the Armored Titan while she seems to just be a teenage homeless orphan. Though he keeps his eye on Ymir as she walks away giving Reiner the "I'm watching you" sign.

"I'm sorry about Ymir," Krista says "She can be a bit protective."

"I've noticed."

"I also think she might have a crush on me."

"Who wouldn't?"

Unbeknownst to Reiner, Krista, and Ymir, another person is watching the exchange from an ally way. He is wearing a hat and a trench coat so he is not recognized. The man was also in the same restaurant they were in, watching them from another table and he had asked Sado to get physical with Krista/Historia to get a reaction out of Reiner.

"So, it looks like the bastard has a boyfriend. I ought to tell her old man about this. Lord Reiss and his whore will want to know."

Kenny Ackerman then flies away with his ODM gear.

January 15, 850

Reiner and Krista, 16-17 and recently turned 15, are inside the farmhouse on the base. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin each sent her a small present for her birthday, but she snuck into the area to fetch a very special gift from Reiner. A gift they agreed he would give her when they were both of proper age.

Reiner is without his shirt, exposing the perfectly chiseled abs and pecs that Krista loves so much, and Krista has removed her shirt and skirt. She is in her bra and panties, being held by her butt by Reiners strong hand as she wraps her arms around her neck for passionate kissing.

"I love you," Krista says as she kisses Reiner with so much heat. "I love you. I love you."

"I love you too," Reiner says as he returns with full force back.

Reiner feels his member swelling against the fabric of his pants. It becomes a tad uncomfortable. He lifts her up higher, breaking their kiss, so that he can deliver a dozen tiny pecks onto Krista's flushed chest.

Krista reaches behind her and unclasps her bra, allowing it to fall to the ground. Reiner is stunned briefly by the sight of Krista's nude, small, but perfect breasts. He kisses them some more and Krista wraps her legs around his waist to stabilize herself.

"Panties…pants…please…" Krista says between gasps.

"Right."

Reiner slides his hand back to Krista's perfectly rounded butt and slides down her panties. Then he moves to his own pants. He undies the buckle and slides them down along with his underwear.

Krista loosens her grip on Reiner and slides back down to the ground. The smaller girl and the larger man have up and down each other's (in their opinion) perfect bodies. Krista places her hands and feels down Reiners abs, as the blonde beefcake hums. Upon looking down, Krista presses her lips into a naughty smile and stares at his fully erected and large member.

Krista's heart beats with anxiousness but also excitement. She has wanted this for a while, and she is happy to be doing it for the first time with Reiner, but her nerves are still wracking as much as her heart keeps telling her to continue. She is worried, though. She learned in health class that the first time is always painful due to the hymen, and Reiner looks TOO big for her. Nevertheless, Krista lays down on the blanket they placed on the hay pile and spreads her legs, welcoming Reiner in.

Reiner rushes over and doesn't hesitate. He places his arms on opposite sides of her and alights his groin with hers.

"Are you sure?" Reiner asks her.

"Yes, yes I am," Krista says.

"I should probably be wearing protection," Reiner says.

"Don't worry, I took a pill. Go ahead, let me have it."

And either that, Reiner plunges himself inside Krista, forcefully pressing his hard body against her small one as he does. Krista winces. The sensation is indeed painful, but she doesn't want it to stop. Reiner grunts as he continues thrusting back and forth, moving Krista's hips as he plunges in and out of her.

Krista moans as she feels Reiner stretch her insides. As she feels his hard pecks against her face. His abs are on her chest. She loves it. She needs it. The pent up

Energies build inside them both until they are released in mutual orgasms.

After thirty minutes and multiple rounds, Reiner lays on his back with Krista cuddling next to him. Her head is resting peacefully on his chest and Reiner holds the tired girls body close to his. He thinks about everything he has learned over the last five years and what he just did now.

'I'm such a terrible person,' Reiner thinks. 'I've been lying to her for years. I crippled her mother and tried to destroy her home. And yet I had the gall to take her virginity too!? And Krista, she is supposed to be my enemy. If Mother could see me now, she would express nothing but disappointment and disgust. The Marleyans would have us all executed.'

Krista yawns and nudges closer to Reiner. He blushes feeling her tiny, beautiful naked body move against his own. He tightens his arm around her.

'I must protect her at all costs!'

Reiner watches the girl he has come to love rest peacefully beside him. He also thinks about Eren who, for all his faults, is not a bad person. He wants to ruthlessly destroy those he considers his enemy, but will do anything to protect his friends. And only wants to attack because he has been attacked. He thinks of Sasha, Connie, Jean, Mikasa, and Armin. Granted, Floch is certainly a devil. He's the only person who rants more about wanting Marley gone than Eren. And he is far less likable even among the Paradisians.

'Perhaps Marley was only half right,' Reiner thinks. 'It was the king and his most loyal followers who fled to this island and built themselves a paradise. The king and his court. But it wasn't just them. It was a million normal Eldians for them to rule over. They wiped their memories and brainwashed them, kept them contained in walls and controlled by fear. Abused their authority over them and uses them for work and weapons. Just like the Eldians back home…' Reiner feels guilty, thinking about how his younger self thought of them. 'I used to think that they left us behind so they could escape their sins while we suffered. Turns out that they were suffering in their own way. By the hands of the true devils. The Fritz's, whoever the real royal family is, and their court.' Reiner looks at Krista determined. 'I promise, I will do whatever I can to protect you from them too.'

Reiner sighs.

'But Marley likely won't see it that way. They will want me to kill her and the rest of this island along with the king, just because they are devils. Maybe I can convince them to spare as many Eldians as they can if I can convince them to surrender to Marley. If I tell the scouts the truth about their king and what they plan to do to the world, they could agree to turn on him. Maybe help me, Annie, and Bertolt take him down! Yeah, they might accept that! It would mean more soldiers for their wars. More workers…more Titans to use in their conquests….' Reiner feels his headache. 'Aw, who am I kidding? First of all the Founder would just turn them all into Titans. And even if he didn't, they would never side with the Colossal and Armored Titans. But maybe I can convince Krista and her family to come with me back to Marley at least. They will hate me, but at least they will be safe. But first, I have to find the Founder and take it first to protect my family and the world. Even if they hate me...'

Reiner cries as he holds onto Krista.

847, a Day After Krista's Date

Mikasa is on the phone talking to Carla.

"You and Shadis?" Mikasa asks.

"Yes, but please don't tell Eren yet," says Carla. "We're waiting for the right time."

"Fine, I won't. So how did Krista enjoy her date with Reiner?"

"She said that she had a wonderful time. And she is looking forward to the next one."

"Good for them," Mikasa says, slightly jealous.

Mikasa is silent for a moment. Carla waits for her to say something, but she doesn't. She then speaks.

"You know, Mikasa. Keith actually liked me for years but he never told me how he felt so I never knew. And so I married Grisha instead. It got me Eren so I don't regret that, but it hurt Keith's feelings and I wish I had known at the time."

Mikasa dwells on Carla's words. She sees a few similarities between Keith and Carla with her and Eren. But she refuses to acknowledge it.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Mikasa, sweetie, everyone knows that you like Eren. Everyone except Eren knows you like Eren. He inherited my thick-headedness for such things, unfortunately. So you need to tell him how you feel."

Mikasa internally panicks. Tell Eren how she feels about him? She can imagine so many things going wrong.

"If you're worried about how this will affect our family, I will fully support you and Eren together. I love you both and I want you to be happy."

"Eren isn't going to fall for anyone else!" Mikasa snaps. "He's too focused on getting strong to fight Marley!"

"So is why you need to tell him your feelings."

Mikasa frowns. "But what if he rejects me? I mean, he's nicer now than when we were kids, but I don't think he completely sees me as a girl."

"Then he will tell you that. It might hurt, but at least you will know for sure. And I think it will make Eren feel good too."

"I…"

"Look, Mikasa. I can't tell you what to do. But either you need to tell Eren how you feel or else you will never get anywhere with him. Like you said, he gets too stuck in his own head sometimes, so YOU have to make the first move. And maybe you can get him to be a better person. And if he doesn't feel the same way then it just isn't meant to be and you can stop wasting your time and find someone else."

Mikasa thinks about what Carla just said. And she can think of no excuse to deny it. She sighs.

"You're right. I will tell him."

"I hope it works out well for you two. I'll talk to you and Eren later. Goodbye, Mikasa."

"Bye, Carla."

Mikasa hangs up the phone. She hits her head against the wall and takes a deep breath. After thinking things over for a few minutes, she leaves to go find Eren.

She finds Eren scrubbing the floor as part of his chores. She watches as Eren dunks his scrubber into the dirty bucket and complains about how the dirt between the cracks is hard to clean out. Mikasa swallows the lump in her throat and tries to ignore the butterflies in her stomach as she walks up to Eren from behind with her hands behind her back.

"Hey, Eren."

"Hmm?" Eren looks behind him. "Oh, Mikasa. What is it?"

"I have something to tell you. And it has been a long time coming."

Eren feels some part of him retreat into the back of his mind. He puts down his scrubber.

"Um, ok. Talk."

"No, I need you to stand and face me," Mikasa says.

Eren obliges and stands in front of Mikasa. Mikasa's heart pounds in her chest for what she is about to do. As Eren looks down at her looking concerned.

"Mikasa, what is it? Are you ok? You seem off right now."

Mikasa's lips tense as she tries to remember what words she was going to say. Her hand shakes and her heart races faster.

"Mikasa, are you ok? Do you need a-"

Eren is cut off by Mikasa planting her lips onto his. The pounding in her chest intensifies and she feels a warm sensation on her lips as a happy tingling feeling goes down her spine, stomach, and whole body. But that lasts for just a few seconds before Mikasa runs away and slams the door behind her.

Eren is left standing there, stunned, with light pink cheeks. His eyes are wide and he touches his lips, reeling from the sensation that he felt.

"STUPID! STUPID! STUPID!" Mikasa shouts as she pumbles her punching bag. She has been doing that for an hour now (she is also dressed in her training clothes: a white tank top with purple shorts and black gloves). "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING!?"

As Mikasa feels like a complete idiot for listening to Carla and kissing Eren, her eyes spark with lighting again. For the first time since she was a child. The lighting travels down her arm and when she punches the bag again, the opposite side of it bursts with sand from the force while the whole bag is broken off its spring and sent flying into the wall.

Mikasa stares at the bag seeping sand on the floor and the broken wall. Then at her own fist in shock.

"Mikasa?"

Mikasa jumps and turns around to see Eren in the doorway. She panics.

"Eren!? What are you doing here?"

"I-" Eren notices the broken punching bag. "What happened there?"

"Uh…adrenalin rush, maybe? Also could have been something that Dr. Jaeger gave me when I was a kid."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter right now!" Eren says, listening to a voice in his head. "I want to talk to you about earlier."

'Oh no, this is it!' Mikasa thinks/panics. 'He's going to say he only sees me as his sister. His super-strong sister that makes him insecure about his own strength. I got to play it cool!'

"Oh Eren, forget the kiss," Mikasa says. "I was confused about something and-"

Eren grabs the sides of Mikasa's face and her eyes go wide.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier," Eren says. "I just needed some time to think."

Eren kisses Mikasa on the lips. The same sensation flows through both of them. One of them is unleashing the feelings she has felt for years since childhood and the other is unearthing repressed feelings that he didnt even know were there up until now.

Mikasa's mind goes blank, unable to process what is happening. Then when it does she returns the kiss with full force. She grabs the back of Erens head and they let their tongues invade each other's mouths as tears run down her cheeks.

'Yes! Yes! Yes! Is this happening!? Please tell me this is actually happening! I've dreamed of this for so long!'

And then Mikasa realizes that it is real. Eren breaks away, leaving Mikasa confused.

"So, uh, how long?" Eren asks.

"Since we met," Mikasa says. "Since you gave me my scarf. Since you saved me."

"Oh, man. I'm such an idiot. That explains so much. No wonder you never take the dang thing off."

"Well, you were always too busy ranting about wanting to see the world to notice," Mikasa says.

Eren turns shameful. "Yeah, I guess I was. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didnt notice. "

Mikasa smiles. "It's ok. I'm sorry I didnt tell you before."

The two smile at each other. The Eren rubs the back of his neck.

"Right, well I better get out of here before someone sees us. But maybe soon, when we're not training, we can go out. Wherever you want."

"I'll give you some ideas tomorrow," Mikasa says.
"Great. great. So, uh, should we tell Armin about this or keep it secret?"

"Armin, Krista, and Carla. No one else," Mikasa says. "Oh, and Shadis is dating Carla."

Eren's eyes big out. "HE'S WHAT!?"

"Don't worry, Shadis promised that he would still fail you if you do badly," Mikasa says. "You don't get any special treatment."

Eren grumbles but reluctantly says that he accepts this. Even though a part of his mind is screaming and shouting in outrage.

Mikasa leaves the room with Eren but they go in opposite directions. She walks down the hall with a big smile on her face, relaying the events that just happened in her mind.

March 30th, 850

Eren and Mikasa are inside a tent that they set up in the forest. It was Eren's fifteenth birthday, and Mikasa had gotten Eren a box of rubbers while she took a pill. They are now celebrating in their own way after three years of dating and kissing. Sucking face while taking off each other's clothes.

Mikasa's hands explore Eren's back and she feels his muscles. Eren returns and his hands run through her dark hair. The two teenagers get lost in their hormones. Mikasa can't take it anymore. She wants this. She needs this.

Mikasa grips the back of Eren's white shirt and slides it off of him. Eren kisses Mikasa's neck, causing a faint moan to escape from her. He leans her back, stabilizing her with his arm, and gives her left butt cheek a light squeeze as he slides off her pants. They fall to the ground, exposing her dark panties.

Once Miksas kicks her shorts away, she removes Erens shirt, she blushes at his exposed pecks and abs and feels them. Eren smiles satisfied at her reaction and helps her remove her top. Eren's eyes nearly bug out of their sockets, realizing that Mikasa wasn't hadn't been wearing a bra underneath. He smiles dumbly as his eyes are glued to her rather large naked breasts.

'Oh my god! How did I never notice how big they are before!?' Eren thinks.

Then he gazes at Mikasa's wide-eyed and beautiful face.

"You're beautiful, Mikasa," Eren says, truthfully.

Without thinking Mikasa grabs the rim of Erens pants and his underwear. In a swift motion, Mikasa tips them both in half. Eren gasps in shock as he stands on his knees, now completely naked, with his hardened member exposed. Mikasa's blushes and stares at it before Eren brings her in for a hiss once more. Mikasa pushes him onto the blow-up mat and she sits over him as they kiss. Eren slid off her panties, leaving her completely naked like him before she pressed down on his member as he grabbed her breasts and squeezed.

Mikasa moaned in ecstasy as she bounced up and down on Eren's pelvis and Eren did his best to thrust in and out of her. This was both of their first times and they were each unsure what they were doing. Having something inside Mikasa that way was as painful as it was pleasurable, a consequence of the first time. Eren wasn't sure what he was doing but Mikasa's moans told him that he was doing well enough. He grabs her and rolls her on her back before he begins thrusting onto her harder. Mikasa lets out faint screams as her legs tighten around Erens waist. He lifted her gently by the hips and Mikasa felt her orgasm overwhelm her. Eren felt himself reaching his limit too. He went, and went, until…

"AHHH!"

Both dark-haired teens screamed as they orgasmed. Thankfully, Eren had been wearing double the amount of protection and Mikasa had taken a pill anyway, just in case.

The process repeats itself a few more times. Sometimes with Eren on top, sometimes with Mikasa riding on top of him and crushing Eren's pelvis. Each time was better than the last. But at the end of it all, Eren and Mikasa are left panting and laying closely next to each other.

"Thank you for this night, Mikasa," Eren says.

"Happy birthday, Eren."

Eren is silent for a moment.

"You know, we're graduating this year."

"Yes, what of it?" Mikasa asks.

"Well, I was thinking," Eren starts. "I know that you only joined the military because of me, so-"

"EREN NO!"

Eren ignores that voice.

"-So I was thinking, we don't have to be soldiers if you don't want to."

Mikasa stares at Eren in shock.

"What did you say?"

"I want you to be happy, Mikasa," Eren says. "I want US to be happy. I still want to fight to protect our home but-" Eren sighs. "-If you want to do something else, then you don't have to say here for me. You can leave and I can fight. Or we can both leave if that's what you would prefer. Or we can stay in the Military and be MP's where it's the most stable. Whatever you want."

Mikasa feels so happy. Knowing that Eren is willing to sacrifice his dream for her, for their future. A part of her wants to tell Eren that they should run away and live on their own in a nice cabin in the woods. But, she remembers the Titans attacking. She remembers her friends, Krista, and Carla. She remembers all the training they have done and so many recruits praising her and telling her with their help they can win the war with Marley.

"We can stay for a while," Mikasa says. "But I would prefer that we retire eventually. Scouts or Military Police, it's the same with me."

Eren smiles. "Mikasa, you're the best."

Eren kisses his girlfriend and he makes a promise to himself. That whatever the future holds, they will face it together. And, more importantly, he will protect Mikasa just like she protects him. In other words, he will crush anyone who tries to hurt her.

848

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